Daunorubicin

Daunorubicin is one of the older chemotherapy drugs, which has been in use for many years. Daunorubicin, when prepared for use, becomes a clear, red liquid, and is given by intravenous route only. It is most commonly used in treatment of the following cancers:

• Acute Myeloid Leukemia

• Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia

The type and extent of a cancer will determine the method and schedule of administration of this drug. This decision is made by the medical oncologist. Daunorubicin is normally administered daily for three consecutive days.

Side effects:

The degree and severity of the side effects depend on the amount and schedule of the administration of Daunorubicin. Following are some of the most common and significant ill effects:

• Low white blood counts

• Low platelet count

• Anemia

• Hair Loss

• Soreness of the mouth, difficulty swallowing

• Diarrhea

• Heart damage

• Skin rash

• Red urine, which is due to excretion of the medicine by the kidneys into the urine.

It is imperative that patients relay any side effects or problems to their medical oncologist.